Well, we got through the day, surprisingly enough *phewwww*

It was an extremely long and difficult day. Erin was very aggitated once we got to the hospital. She was extremely rude to the healthcare workers, ticked off of she was made to wait for anything (bloodwork, MRI, Diskogram). She kind of embarassed me on a number of occasions with her sharp tongue. I kept my tongue with her and gently tried to improve her mood. I knew she was scared to death about the diskogram and the pain that was about to happen. I knew that was why she was so nasty towards everyone. At the same time, I explained to her that it was not their fault she was going through all of this and that they did not deserve to feel the wrath of her anger and fear. (nor did I for that matter)

That being said, there were 2 people who did deserve a bit of it. The man that came out to bring her into prep for the diskogram...he had as much compassion as a pile of sand. Was very rude to Erin. There was no need for that from him. My thought is, when you are dealing with folks going in for a scary test/surgery, show a little compassion or get the hell out of the job. The next was a nurse who put an IV in Erin's hand. Erin asked that it be put in her arm instead of her hand and the nurse refused. About 10 minutes after the IV was in, Erin had tremendous pain in her hand from the IV. This too didn't surprise me as when Erin is stressed, it goes to her hands and they clench up. And, IV's in the hand do tend to be more uncomfortable than the ones in the arms. I went to the nurses and told them she was in pain and it needed to be removed and put in her arm. The nurse came back to see Erin and checked out the IV. She had no intention of changing it and said, "Well the IV is fine, it's not blown out of the vein, it stays." OMG, if Erin could have jumped off the bed at her and strangled her, I wouldn't have been able to stop her! Erin looked at her and said, either you put it in my arm or I'm out of here!" The nurse said, "We are not forcing you to do anything, if you wish to leave then you may leave." Another nurse heard the commotion and came running. She asked Erin what the problem was and immediately removed the IV from her hand and put one into her arm. Now, what the heck is up with the other nurse?? I was ready to choke her myself....the inconsiderate dope! (I know, I should tell you how I really feel right?? LOL)

At that point the doctor came in to speak with Erin. He was AWESOME!! He was compassionate and caring, held Erin's hand, put his arm around me, explained all that was going to happen. Erin of course started crying again and he was right there to comfort her through it. I've never seen such a loving act from a doctor before. (not that they aren't, just that they don't usually take the time to connect on that level for many different reasons I'm sure).

Anywho, she finally decided to face her fear and went through with the procedure. When I saw her afterwards, she was in wonderful spirits. In pain, yes a bit, but not something that the meds didn't help or that she couldn't handle. She was pleasantly surprised that the procedure wasn't as painful as she had worked herself up to believe it would be. The last needle was the one that sent her through the roof, the others were just mildly uncomfortable. Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, she said it hurts a bit, but nothing too bad that she can't handle. YAY!!! She'll hear the results in 2 weeks when she sees the surgeon and we'll go from there. Am I ever glad this part is over with!!!

Thanks everyone for your support, concern, prayers and input. I cherish all of you very much!

xoxoxox
J